"Emma" Quiz
In "Emma" by Alexander McCall Smith, a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic, a young, wealthy woman in present-day England meddles in the romantic lives of those around her, often with unintended consequences.
fiction | 474 pages | Published in 2015
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Test your knowledge about the book "Emma". We have come up with 10 quiz questions for the book. Hit play and start testing your knowledge. Each correctly answered question gives one point.
10 questions available
Essay questions
These essay questions are meant to be used as a starting point for your essay or research paper.
- Discuss how Alexander McCall Smith adapts Jane Austen’s original character of Emma Woodhouse for a modern setting. In what ways does the character remain faithful to the original, and in what ways does she change?
- Analyze the role of social class and privilege in McCall Smith’s 'Emma.' How does the novel comment on class dynamics in contemporary society compared to Austen’s time?
- Examine the theme of matchmaking and meddling in the lives of others. How does Emma’s interference impact those around her, and what lessons does she learn?
- Explore the relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightley in McCall Smith’s retelling. How does their dynamic develop, and what does it reveal about each character?
- How does McCall Smith use humor and irony in his retelling of 'Emma'? Provide examples and discuss their effect on the tone and message of the novel.
- Consider the portrayal of female independence in 'Emma.' How does the protagonist navigate her ambitions and desires within the expectations of her family and society?
- Evaluate the role of family in shaping Emma’s worldview and decisions. How do her relationships with her father and sister influence her actions?
- Discuss how the setting of modern-day Highbury contributes to the overall narrative. In what ways does McCall Smith make the setting a character in its own right?
- Analyze the character of Harriet Smith in the novel. How does her friendship with Emma shape both characters, and what does it reveal about themes of self-discovery and agency?
- In what ways does McCall Smith address issues of gender and romance in the 21st century? How do characters’ approaches to relationships differ from those in Austen’s original?
- Explore the significance of misunderstandings and mistaken assumptions in the novel. How do these moments drive the plot and character development?
- How does the author balance homage to Austen’s narrative style with his own literary voice? Give examples of where this balance is most apparent.
- Discuss the concept of personal growth in 'Emma.' How does the protagonist change from the beginning to the end of the novel, and what triggers this transformation?
- Examine the importance of friendship in the book. How are different types of friendships portrayed, and what roles do they play in the story?
- Consider the use of secondary characters in McCall Smith’s adaptation. How do they contribute to the themes and main plot of the novel?
